Not sure if this has been asked before, but We're a young couple and The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Any advice would be great.
7 upvotes
9 Replies
Brielle Wright
not my experience at all
36 upvotes
Roman Nguyen
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Downtown for 15 years. Moved from LA for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Downtown schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
32 upvotes
Abigail
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I love the pace of life here. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
25 upvotes
Mason P.
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in The Heights area are solid. Kids love it here.
24 upvotes
Eleanor Clark
seconding this
21 upvotes
Greyson Miller
been saying this for years
20 upvotes
Matthew T.
nah I disagree
19 upvotes
Luke Martinez
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value food scene, you'll love it. The pet-friendliness is genuinely pretty good and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Greenfield) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Minneapolis, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Property taxes are high.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Sofia Green
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 14 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's stable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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